Mount Damavand is the highest summit of Alborz mountain range in Iran. With the height of 5609 m, it is also the highest volcano in Asia. Damavand is listed as a potentially active volcano despite the fact that its last eruption occurred more than seven thousand years ago. In the topographic map of Iran, the location of Mount Damavand is marked as Central Alborz, an area known for some other prominent peaks such as Alam-Kuh and Tochal. There are more than 16 routes for climbing Mount Damavand the most popular being the southern route. Iranian Mountain Federation Camp in Polour village near Damavand (not to be mistaken with Damavand, a small city east of Tehran) usually serves as the first base for the mountaineers.
There are shelters in all of the major routes including Bargah Sevom Camp on the southern route, Takht-e Fereydoun on the northeastern route and Sīmorgh shelter on the western route which is adored by mountaineers for its exquisite sunset view. But the magical intermingling of the colors on the horizon isn’t the only magnificent sight you will encounter in Damavand. There are several hot water springs and fumaroles from which hot sulfur emits forth, reminding the people that this beast of a mountain has a heart of fire beneath its snowy facade. You will also find a spectacular sight at 5100m, a frozen waterfall 12 meters high known among the locals as Ābshār Yakhī. It is largely due to these wonderful attractions that Mount Damavand tour is the most popular mountain package in Iran tours. The significance of Mount Damavand far surpasses its status as a mountain. It features prominently in Iranian art and literature both of which draw inspiration from Mount Damavand’s lofty depiction in ancient Iranian mythology. In the Iranian myth of origin, Damavand is cited as the kingdom of Keyumars, the first human being and lawgiver. Jamshid, the mightiest king of Iran’s mythical history flew from the zenith of Damavand in a chariot driven by the subdued demons. Zahhak, the most atrocious villain in Iranian legends was nailed to a wall in Damavand by the great hero Fereydun. Arash, the tragic hero, sacrificed his life in throwing an arrow from the peak of Damavand to expand the territory of Iranian empire. Damavand never ceases to inspire the sensitive souls to create works of great power and beauty. Once you reach the pinnacle and you catch sight of the boundless horizon, you realize how lucky you are to be alive and relish the ineffable beauty of it. We conclude this piece by rendering some lines from the poem Arash, a major work of modern Iranian poetry. Its creator Siavash Kasrai was one among many whose soul was kindled by the sublimity of Damavand and its ancient myths:
Life is beautiful Life is an ever-glowing hearth If lit, one may behold its flame dance from side to side If not, it’s out & its being out is our fault.
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